With all teams excited and optimistic for the season ahead, there are certain players that are going to have to shoulder the burden of expectations and put in consistent performances.
All 18 AFL clubs have a player, or several, that frankly need huge seasons.
That’s what it’s going to take for clubs to succeed; make the top eight, win finals, perhaps even win a premiership.
As the new season begins, you can see there are teams looking to its star players, or emerging weapons, to pull up their socks, so to speak, and make a statement.
Some have recently become household names within the AFL community, and are needing to continue their recent hot streak of form. Others have had their time in the sun and their club are desperate for them to return to something close to their best.
AFL players that need a big season
To kick things off, we’ve identified seven players that need massive years, for various reasons.
Clayton Oliver
It’s been a difficult off-season for Melbourne Demons star Clayton Oliver, dealing with personal matters away from the field. But he’s continued to show he’s committed to the Dees.
As a four-time Best & Fairest winner, plus a premiership champion, we clearly know Oliver is a sensational talent that any club would love to have in its ranks. But last season we saw injuries and news stories derail his campaign. There’s no question the Dees will need Oliver firing if they’re to overcome the two flat finals campaigns they’re coming off and return to the top.
At his best, Clayton Oliver’s a 30-plus disposal-getter, with an unparalleled ability to clear the ball out of stoppages and make an impact up forward. Time will tell if he’s in the right frame of mind to put it all together on the park.
Tom Lynch
On his day, Tom Lynch is arguably one of the best tall forwards in the competition, but injuries have plagued his career to date — especially his time with the Tigers. Lynch is returning from a broken foot sustained in Round 4 last season, which means he’s spent the best part of a year out of the game.
With Jack Riewoldt retired, the forward line now belongs to Tom Lynch, giving him more space to be the guy up front, and legitimately contest for another Coleman Medal.
Richmond lost two all time greats last season to retirement, and with Lynch now a 31-year-old, it’s time for him to play the veteran role in a season of intrigue for the club — his leadership and presence on the field will be vital.
Harry McKay
It seems Carlton have different plans for the former Coleman Medallist in 2024, with the tall forward now seemingly being trialled in the ruck, as an option to relieve starting tap specialist Marc Pittonet.
Last season wasn’t ideal for McKay, who severely struggled in front goal for a majority of the season, before stepping up in the run to the finals. With him playing at his best, not only does it make him more of a threat to opponents, but also frees up Charlie Curnow in both the literal and figurative ways of not have to ‘carry’ the forward line.
The community is divided over the Blues’ expected dual-role usage of McKay. But the upside is that it removes an element of the burden that appeared to weigh on the Carlton big.
Chad Warner
Following the 2022 AFL Grand Final, you could have sworn the entire future of the Sydney Swans rested atop the shoulders of the Sydney young gun. But now Errol Gulden has jumped him in the rankings of the club’s (unofficial) ‘best player’ mantle, and in order for Sydney to succeed, they need Chad to rise back into the conversation.
Statistically, Warner had about the same season in 2023 as he did in 2022, maybe even better, but if he can continue to grow his game and be a breakaway star, it’s hard to see the Swans not going on a deep charge like they did two seasons ago.
He’ll have to carry even more of the load early, with Luke Parker and Callum Mills out injured. While the midfield is weakened, Warner needs to help with the inside work, as well as be his game-breaking best out of the stoppage.
Nat Fyfe
The dual-Brownlow Medallist has had a few down years, dealing with injury after injury, and playing in a team that has struggled for consistent form.
Many are hoping the AFL great can regain some form this season, mostly out of wanting the media and AFL community to shut the door on their suggestions for him to retire.
The other reason Fremantle will be wanting him to find his game once more and stick around, is to mentor the young crop of players they have coming through, who haven’t seen much, if any, finals football, and impart more first class experience.
Harley Reid
It’s been a long time since a first overall draft pick, or rookie for that matter, has been thrown into a situation like Harley has — expected to help scrape West Coast of the floor of the AFL.
There’s no denying Reid possesses some incredible skills — an ability to play all over the park from a high-halfback, to a damaging midfielder, to a forward who can create.
Whatever he does this season will be put under the microscope, and for his sake and West Coast’s, Reid better have a good year and help the club sell hope to its members.
Matt Crouch
Matt Crouch found his way back into the Crows side late last season and will need a big 2024 season if he is to cement his spot and capitalise on the years that are left of his career.
The 28-year-old was once Adelaide’s Best & Fairest and ended 2023 strongly, averaging 29 disposals, seven clearances and five tackles.
With the Crows pushing for a return to the finals, which they haven’t seen since their loss to Richmond in the 2017 Grand Final, Crouch will be integral in any push for a postseason appearance.
